The children shout with laughter,
The uproar louder grows;
Even grandma chuckles faintly,
And Johnny chirps and crows.
There ne'er was gilded painting,
Hung up in lordly hall,
Gave half the simple pleasure
As this rabbit on the wall.
The cottage work is over,
The evening meal is done;
Hark! thro' the starlight stillness
You hear the river run.
The little children whisper,
Then speak out one and all;
"Come, father, make for Johnny,
The rabbit on the wall."
He--smilingly assenting,
They gather round his chair;
"Now, grandma, you hold Johnny;
Don't let the candle flare."
So speaking, from his fingers
He throws a shadow tall,
That seems, a moment after,
A rabbit on the wall.